Record-Keeping & Bookkeeping
How strong are your foundations? These questions focus on the basics: keeping your numbers accurate and up to date.
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1. Do you keep your bookkeeping up to date at least once per month?
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2. Do you reconcile your bank accounts regularly (at least monthly)?
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3. Do you consistently keep receipts and invoices organised (digitally or physically)?
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4. Do you use accounting software rather than spreadsheets for day-to-day records?
Cash Flow & Budgeting
Strong cash flow keeps the lights on. These questions look at how well you plan and monitor your money in and out.
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5. Do you maintain a cash-flow forecast covering at least the next 3–6 months?
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6. Do you monitor actual performance versus your forecast on a regular basis?
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7. Do you set aside money for upcoming tax liabilities (VAT, corporation tax, self-assessment, payroll taxes)?
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8. Do you review your pricing and costs at least annually to ensure profitability?
Financial Reporting & Insight
Good data only helps if you look at it. These questions cover how much visibility you have on performance.
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9. Do you prepare monthly or quarterly management accounts (profit & loss, balance sheet, cash flow)?
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10. Do you review key financial metrics (e.g., gross margin, net margin, debtor days) at least quarterly?
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11. Do you understand your business’s break-even point and monitor it occasionally?
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12. Do you compare current results against previous periods (year-on-year or month-on-month)?
Tax, Compliance & Payroll
Staying compliant protects you from fines and headaches. These questions assess your approach to deadlines and processes.
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13. Do you file all tax returns and statutory accounts on time without last-minute rush?
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14. Do you have documented processes for VAT, payroll, or other compliance tasks?
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15. Do you review your business structure and tax planning at least once per year?
Strategy & Advisory
Mature finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about direction. These questions look at your planning and use of advice, whether you want to grow or simply keep things running smoothly.
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16. Do you set financial goals for the year (revenue, profit, cash targets)?
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17. Do you review these goals regularly with an accountant or advisor?
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18. Do you prepare a budget for the year and track progress against it?
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19. Do you plan ahead for major purchases or investments instead of making reactive decisions?
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20. Do you have a clear understanding of your company’s long-term financial strategy?
Whether you want steady, stress-free finances or you’re aiming for growth, Example Accountancy can walk through your bookkeeping, cash flow and tax position and agree a clear, practical action plan that fits a business under £2m turnover.
No obligation – just straightforward ideas tailored to your business.